Unlocking the secrets of aging and strategies to combat bodily decline

 

Today, youth, according to WHO classification, includes people from 18 to 45 years old. However, after reaching the peak of its resources at 24-25 years old, the body gradually uses them up. It is at this moment that human aging begins. Why do destructive processes start in the prime of life and is it possible to prolong the youth of the body?

 

Causes of aging - scientific theories

What is aging? Scientists began to put forward hypotheses about age-related degradation of the body in the 19th century. Thus, Nobel laureate, biologist Ilya Mechnikov believed that the reason was the accumulation of toxic metabolic products, which caused the connections between cells to be broken. 

 

Soviet physiologist Alexander Nagorny assumed that over time, self-renewal of the cytoplasm of cells fades. However, these ideas did not fully explain the essence of the decline of the organism.

 

These days, there are five most popular theories about the causes of aging.

1.      Accumulation of mutations and antagonistic pleiotropy. In the 50s of the 20th century, biologists Medawar and Williams started talking about the ability of genes to mutate throughout a person’s life. And since each gene is responsible for several traits (pleiotropy), mutations in genes lead to changes in physiology as a whole. Genes can change spontaneously and without reason, or under the influence of external factors (stress, infections). If too many mutations accumulate, it leads to the death of a person.

 

2.      Toxic effects of free radicals. In the process of life, the cells of our body release reactive oxygen species - they oxidize any compounds they come into contact with. These aggressive molecules destroy others by stealing electrons from them. Excess free radicals are one of the causes of aging, although not the only one. Researchers have found that the rate of age-related degradation depends on the amount of the enzyme that neutralizes free radicals - superoxide dismutase (SOD).

 

3.      Self-destruction of cells (apoptosis). There is also a theory according to which, over the years, the renewal processes of cells that self-destruct as a result of apoptosis slow down. As a result, there are fewer newly formed cells in the body than dead ones, and aging progresses.

 

4.      Telomere shortening. According to another scientific version, telomeres (“protective caps” at the ends of chromosomes) determine a person’s biological age. The fact is that with each cell division they shrink. And the shorter they become, the further they are from the mother cell. At some point, their length becomes critical, the cells stop dividing and die.

 

5.      Neuroendocrine theory. Another hypothesis states that the main cause of aging is the accumulation of toxic metabolic products in the brain, due to which it gradually loses its functions. In addition, with age, the levels of many hormones that regulate body functions decrease, which gradually leads to degradation.

Scientists around the world have proven that aging is a disease that begins at the cellular level and requires an interdisciplinary approach to treat it.

 

Factors influencing human aging

The rate of aging depends approximately 20% on human genetics and more than 80% on epigenetic factors (sleep, nutrition, physical activity, environment, etc.). In essence, this is a set of mechanisms that gradually reduce the functions of organs and systems. Let's highlight the main ones.

 

a.      Oxidative (oxidative) stress. During life, various metabolic reactions occur, and as a result of the “burning” of energy, free radicals are formed. They oxidize tissues and are one of the causes of diseases associated with age. Under stress, hypoxia, under the influence of radiation, as well as a deficiency of amino acids and vitamins, an excess amount of free radicals accumulates in the body.

 

b.      Deterioration in protein quality. As time passes, the phenomenon of glycation, where proteins bind with glucose molecules, intensifies progressively. This makes the body's tissues less elastic and more rigid, and cell nutrition slows down. 

         In addition, over the years, abnormally shaped proteins can be produced that quickly break down. And since proteins are the main building material of the body, a decrease in their quality significantly affects health.

 

c.      Decreased mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are “responsible” for cellular respiration and the synthesis of ATP, the main source of energy. Their work can be compared to boilers that burn oxygen and nutrients. As a result, a colossal amount of free radicals is formed, which disrupt the connection between the cell and the mitochondria. Due to oxidation, the cell is forced to either self-destruct or cell aging occurs, which interferes with normal tissue function.

 

d.      Errors in cell replication and DNA repair. Environmental factors damage DNA every day. Its restoration involves genes on which human life expectancy depends. Thus, an “error correction system” is already built into our cells. But if too many of them accumulate, it eventually leads to degeneration and cell death.

 

e.      Methylation disorder. Metabolism and detoxification depend on this important biochemical process, as well as how correctly DNA synthesis occurs and whether “bad” genes are turned on, triggering hereditary diseases. 

         Methylation helps the body get rid of heavy metals that poison it (mercury, lead, arsenic). Researchers believe that decreased methylation is directly related to aging and degenerative diseases.

 

f.       Stem cell depletion. Stem cells are present in the tissues of our body and have the ability to divide, giving life to new cells. With age, their number decreases. Hence the slowdown in cellular renewal and less efficient functioning of organs.

 

g.      Accumulation of toxins. In addition to harmful substances entering the body from the outside, metabolic residues accumulate in our cells, preventing their normal functioning. One of the culprits in degeneration processes is lipofuscin, a protein breakdown product. Cells cannot digest it completely and for a long time it cannot be “neutralized.” Lipofuscin is deposited in the intercellular space, and over time it becomes more and more abundant. This protein is toxic and slows down nutrient absorption and detoxification processes.

 

h.      Deficiency of vitamins and microelements. Their lack becomes a trigger for the development of “age-related” diseases. Fortunately, they can be rectified, thereby restoring mechanisms that deteriorate with time.

 

Stages of aging

We usually notice the first, external, signs of approaching old age by the age of 35, when the shape of the face and the quality of the skin begin to change. They may appear earlier or later, depending on the type of aging. Biologists distinguish three main periods when age-related degradation becomes more obvious and progresses.

 

i.       The first stage conventionally begins at 45 years of age. This is the age when a person, as a rule, begins to lose reproductive function or it decreases significantly.

 

ii.      The next important milestone is 60 years. At this stage, tissue regeneration and cell division noticeably slow down. And, as a result, by this age a person already has, on average, three chronic diseases.

 

iii.     The third stage occurs at 75 years of age. At this point, the extracellular structures of the tissue become unusable and the cells of the body lose their protective barriers. This opens the door to new chronic diseases.

 

THIS IS INTERESTING: Researchers from Stanford University (USA) recently concluded that the quality of blood changes significantly at 34, 60 and 78 years of age. They studied the totality of proteins (proteome) of blood plasma and concluded that their concentration changes abruptly at these ages. This suggests that the most important changes in the body and the most noticeable aging processes occur precisely at 34, 60 and 78 years.

 

What is special about aging women?

The processes of extinction in the female body are closely related to the decline of reproductive function. If the first signs of aging appear after 30 years (a tendency to rapid weight gain and drier skin), then after 40-45 years the hormonal background changes, which leads a woman to menopause and its consequences.

 

If men's testosterone levels decrease quite smoothly over the years, then women's hormones break down sharply. This happens already during perimenopause (before menopause). During this period, unpleasant symptoms appear, but most importantly, hormonal “breakdown” makes women more vulnerable to various health threats.

 

 

What are the consequences of a decrease in estrogen and a total hormonal shift?

 

·       The level of vitamin A drops and the sebaceous glands work less actively. As a result, the skin begins to age rapidly.

·       Mineral metabolism in a woman’s body is disrupted - calcium is washed out of the bones, which leads to osteoporosis. Frequent fractures are also possible.

·       Immunity decreases, which gives the green light to autoimmune and oncological processes.

·       The tone of the pelvic muscles deteriorates, which can lead to prolapse or even loss of internal organs.

·       Estrogen deficiency also makes women vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases - such as coronary heart disease and hypertension.

·       The genital mucosa becomes thinner, which contributes to the development of infections (cystitis and volvovaginitis).

This is only part of the possible consequences of menopause. In order to prevent or at least mitigate the manifestations of female aging, timely and competent hormone replacement therapy is necessary.

 

The influence of hormones on premature aging in women

Of the hundreds of hormones that our body synthesizes, six are especially important for female beauty. They are responsible for maintaining youth and elasticity of the skin. But sometimes the body malfunctions, hormone levels decrease and premature aging begins.

Which hormone balance should be monitored especially closely to avoid early fading? Here is their list:

 

1.      Estrogen. It is responsible for triggering fibroblast cells to produce elastin and collagen. With a decrease in the production of this hormone, wrinkles appear, the oval of the face deteriorates, and the face and chest sag.

2.      Somatotropin (growth hormone).   When it decreases, muscle mass decreases, and wrinkles, on the contrary are coming. Stamina also suffers, and this inevitably affects your mood. Most Hollywood celebrities are known to administer growth hormones through injections, but this method often has unpleasant side effects such as headaches, swelling and uncontrolled growth of internal organs and bones.

3.      Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This is an active hormone that has a calming effect. However, the body stops producing it when you reach 30 years of age. When this happens, the muscles begin to sag, the skin loses elasticity, and the blood vessels become fragile.

4.      Melatonin. This hormone is responsible for regulating the body's circadian rhythms. That is, its job is to tell the body what time to rest. When we sleep, cells undergo healing and renewal processes, and if there is a disturbance in this order, aging begins prematurely. Melatonin deficiency can cause hair loss, wrinkles and age spots.

5.      Cortisol. An increase in its amount in the body leads to early aging. Depending on your skin type, the side effects of this hormone may vary. This can be either dry skin and a gray complexion, or the appearance of wrinkles. Another recognized consequence includes acne and excess oiliness. Cortisol breaks down collagen fibers and causes sagging skin.

6.      Insulin.    This hormone increases blood glucose levels, and if not controlled, it also affects the skin. An increase in sugar levels causes it to sag and wrinkles to spread. Due to an increase in glucose, a glycation process that is destructive to health occurs, which, among other things, can lead to a decrease in the level of elastin and collagen.

 

In order to correctly adjust hormones, you need to see a doctor without trying to self-medicate.

 

How to slow down aging

There are several ways to slow down the aging process of the body, and not all of them are obvious.

a.      Optimism.   Positive thinking has many benefits, including reducing stress, boosting immunity, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

A 2019 study found that positive thinking can increase life expectancy by 11–15% and increase the likelihood of living to age 85 or older. This effect persisted after other factors such as age, gender, income, depression and health status were controlled for.

The results show that an optimistic view of aging can strengthen a person's will to live, make them more resistant to disease and more active. People with a positive outlook also experience less stress, which reduces the likelihood of developing chronic diseases or disorders.

 

b.      Hygiene.    It turns out that even personal hygiene affects life expectancy. The fact is that failure to comply with its rules is associated with a number of diseases.

In developing countries, where access to proper sanitation is extremely limited, there is a strong correlation between how often a person gets sick and a lack of personal hygiene. 

 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) conducted a study in which half of the participating families were given soap and the other half were not. They found that hand washing significantly reduced the incidence of illnesses such as diarrhea and respiratory infections.

There are many chronic diseases that can develop as a result of other illnesses, many of which are caused by poor personal hygiene. For example, gum disease such as periodontitis can lead to heart disease. This occurs due to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause an infection in the bloodstream and then travel to the heart. The best way to prevent this cascade of events is to brush your teeth twice a day, daily, and floss.

 

c.      Healthy eating.    A person’s health status and, as a consequence, his life expectancy largely depend on his daily diet. A healthy diet, in addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, means eating foods rich in antioxidants to help the body fight free radicals. A 2017 study from Imperial College London recommends 10 servings of fruit and vegetables a day rather than 5. 

The best options are prunes, raisins, blackberries and blueberries, garlic, kale, strawberries, raspberries, spinach, Brussels sprouts, beets and broccoli. To increase effectiveness, vary your daily intake as antioxidant compounds (vitamins C and E, polyphenols, etc.) complement each other and act synergistically.

Another important recommendation is to limit the consumption of pro-oxidant foods. These include grilled foods and foods with a high glycemic index (fast sugars such as instant noodles and rice, cereals, soda, etc.). All this increases oxidative stress. Limit your consumption of red meat (maximum once a week): the iron it supplies increases oxidation.

 

d.      Rejection of bad habits.    Quitting smoking, drinking too much alcohol and eating unhealthy foods while maintaining a healthy weight and physical activity can increase your life expectancy by up to 10 years, a new study has found.

The medical journal BMJ published the study in 2020. It was conducted on a sample of 38,000 men and 73,000 women aged 50 and compared the results with the results of their counterparts who did not adhere to healthy lifestyle rules.

Observations showed that women who practiced healthy habits and gave up harmful ones “gained” more than 10 years of disease-free life, and men, accordingly, almost eight years.

e.      Constant movement.   Physical activity is not only a way to lose weight or have fun, but also a guarantee of health and longevity. There is a lot of scientific evidence showing the benefits of sports for life expectancy. In 2006, three researchers produced a synthesis of research on this topic. They were able to show that men suffer more from disease and die prematurely due to inactivity. 

         Other studies suggest that the loss of autonomy seen before age 70 is mostly due to a sedentary lifestyle rather than the aging of the body itself. Some even suggest that regular exercise helps prevent decreased immune function.

Even just walking for an hour a week can reduce the risk of premature death from stroke by a third. This is especially true even for those who already suffered from heart problems.

Physical activity not only benefits the heart, but also the brain. Research has linked moderate physical activity to a reduction in irreversible aging of brain tissue. Thus, the more physically developed a person is, the more protected his brain will be.

Scientists have also shown that physical activity (both strength training and aerobic) slows the loss of bone density associated with aging and helps reduce the risk of fatal falls. Overall, it improves functional independence, mobility, balance and quality of life.

Therefore, 30 minutes to two hours of moderate physical activity per day is highly recommended to maintain muscle mass, strengthen bones, and tone the heart and lungs. 

However, be careful not to overdo it: intense exercise makes the body rusty as it increases the amount of oxygen inhaled and the production of free radicals tenfold. This is why high-level athletes are privileged victims of oxidative stress. So, it is important to observe moderation in physical activity.

 

f.       Mental load.     Recent research shows that mental exercise can also keep our brains young and healthy. Our main “command center” training can help older adults stay mentally sharp 10 years longer.

If you regularly perform brain exercises, these are:

o   Improves blood flow and memory;

o   Stimulates chemical changes in the brain that improve learning, mood and thinking;

o   Changes the brain in a way that protects memory and thinking skills.

You can train your brain, for example, using Sudoku, chess, or learning a new language or unusual skill.

 

g.      Sexual activity.   A large-scale survey has shown that more than 80% of centenarians from the so-called “blue zone” have sex between the ages of 65 and 100. Thus, for example, residents of the island of Ikaria in Greece remain sexually active at such a mature age.

A 2016 study found a link between decreased mortality from cardiovascular disease and the frequency of orgasms in women. This is probably due to oxytocin, a hormone that is released during sexual intercourse. It possesses several significant health benefits.

You can also “postpone” old age with the help of anti-aging medicine doctors who practice a personalized approach to each patient.

 

How to slow down the aging of the body: methods of anti-aging medicine

How to turn off aging? Anti-aging medicine today has an impressive arsenal of ways to stop or at least slow down destructive processes in the human body.

Schematically it might look like this:

i.       Restoration of circadian rhythms. Sleeping and waking patterns are extremely important not only for preserving youth, but also for accumulating health “capital” in general. Often modern people have broken biological (circadian) rhythms, so anti-age doctors must correct them.

ii.      Hormone replacement therapy. Not only the patient’s well-being, but also his ability to resist various diseases depends on the balance of hormones. However, over the years, and sometimes at a young age, hormonal imbalance occurs. To eliminate it, anti-aging medicine recommends using minimal doses of hormonal bioidentical drugs.

iii.     Elimination of vitamin and microelement deficiencies. A person living in a deficiency of nutrients ages rapidly compared to someone who has a balance. The task of anti-age doctors today is to achieve optimal compensation for the elements the body lacks.

iv.     Alignment of the most important biochemical processes. Over time, for example, methylation becomes “loose” due to stress, various deficiencies or sleep disorders. And this triggers the expression of genetic damage and deteriorates the quality of cells. The task of an anti-aging medicine doctor is to minimize and correct these errors.

 

To prevent aging and its consequences, anti-age doctors practice an exclusively individual approach to each patient, so there are no standard regimens. And any therapy will be prescribed after a thorough examination of the patient.

 

Conclusion

Today the issue of slow aging is especially relevant. According to the World Health Organization, from 2015 to 2050, the number of people aged 60 years and older will increase from 900 million to 2 billion (from 12% to 22% of the total world population).

This is the age at which people usually accumulate many internal disorders, awakening the expression of “bad” genes. This is how genetic diseases start, and patients acquire more and more new diagnoses.

Therefore, scientists around the world are increasingly focusing not on the fight to increase life expectancy (lifespan), but on extending the active period of life (healthspan) and quality longevity. In this sense, each patient needs to monitor his biological age and do everything so that he does not get ahead of his passport age in order to avoid many problems in the future.